Barnaby excited for first season, says the team features talent

Fitchburg State pitcher Javier Lozada takes part in an indoor practice last season at the school's Recreation Center. SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE / ASHLEY GREEN

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FITCHBURG -- The Fitchburg State University baseball team will have a new leader at the helm, but one familiar to many local fans.

Leominster native Kevin Barnaby takes over as head coach of the program after acquiring the post last July after the Falcons went 12-19 last season.

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The former Leominster High star entered late in the game, missing the recruiting cycle, but has some lofty goals for his team as he tries to build the Falcons into a baseball superpower.

"We're in the process of changing the culture, but in terms of wins and losses the mentality stays the same, even though it is year one," Barnaby said. "We're going to try to win a national championship, and that sounds like an overreach for a program that won 12 games last year, but I didn't take this job just to win a MASCAC title or play in a regional (tournament). We want to have that one big pig-pile in Wisconsin and say that we were the team to do it."

Barnaby has an impressive résumé, having spent the past couple of years as a volunteer assistant coach at Division 1 UMass Lowell, as well as two years as manager of the Leominster-based Wachusett Dirt Dawgs of the Futures Collegiate Baseball League. Before that, Barnaby spent time as an assistant baseball coach at Fitchburg State.

The future might be bright, but first thing is first for Barnaby.

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He aims to develop the talent he inherited to begin to make his imprint on the program.

Barnaby will have some raw talent to mold in his pitching staff, as aside from one senior, the other starting hurlers are either sophomores or younger.

Javier Lozada (1.42 ERA in 2015) will make the shift from closer to starting pitcher. Lozada says it is a different mentality going from the closer to starter, and he has started training more vigorously in the offseason for endurance to help with the shift.

"This year I have the chance to be in a much bigger role," Lozada said. "I kind of take it on myself to mentor the younger pitchers and give them as much advice as I can because this is my last go. I embrace having more responsibility as a starter."

Joining Lozada in the rotation will be sophomores Tommy Parsons and Andrew Mooney.

"So far the pitchers have elevated their game, because there's an opportunity now that they didn't have in the past," Barnaby said. "They were relievers and now they are in the starting role and have really grabbed onto that. I'm very optimistic about my pitching staff right now"

The middle infield is a little green defensively, but the outfield, corner infielders and catcher have a lot of experience.

Fitchburg State will have a familiar face leading its hitting efforts, as Clinton native Brendan Cutler returns for his senior season, boasting a career batting average of .292. The senior catcher/infielder has hit in the middle of the lineup throughout his career after growing up playing in the Leominster Legion organization.

Cutler appreciates the new training regimen in the offseason and feels that it has put the team in a good position to tackle the season.

"With the strength and conditioning coach, and everything coach Barnaby and the staff put us through, we're getting better each day," Cutler said. "It makes your body get in better shape, with stronger arms and bodies, and this is the best I've felt going into a season."

Leominster native Steve Drury returns for his junior campaign after averaging .353 at the plate during his first two seasons. The Lawrence Academy grad and left fielder hit .438 as a freshman, and looks to get back into top form.

"I think there's a more positive vibe this year; guys are excited to be here and work hard," Drury said. "We're looking to be on top."

A lot of returners will battle with newcomers to fight for positions all over the field. From the very first looks of the offseason, it should be a healthy competition.

Barnaby aggressively scheduled 40 games this season, including three before the team's annual trip to Florida. The Falcons begin the season against Coast Guard on Feb. 27 at the New England Baseball Complex in Northboro, before playing nine games in two Florida cities against teams from around the country.

Other non-conference tilts include visits to WPI and Springfield College, as well as hosting Clark University.

"After those 12 games to start the season, we should have a pretty good idea of where we stand as a team," Barnaby said. "At this point there's still a lot to be determined. We have an idea, but there are no solidified starting spots."

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